A Guide to Backstopping, Overrunning, and Indexing Clutches

The clutch commonly used today provides enhanced protection against backlash and rollover, as well as consistent performance in harsh environments, especially in the mining industry.

While all clutches use the same basic principles of operation, there are a variety of options designed to meet specific application requirements. The three most common types of clutch applications are:

Backstopping

In backstop applications, clutches allow the drive shaft to rotate freely in one direction. As soon as the direction of rotation of the shaft is reversed, the clutch automatically engages with a fixed frame to prevent any movement in the opposite direction. Backstop clutches are used as a safety measure to prevent reverse movement of incline conveyors, bucket elevators, or pump systems. They not only help protect critical equipment from damage, they also help ensure worker safety during mining.

Overrunning

In many overrunning applications, clutches rotate freely (overrun) the majority of the time, occasionally being called upon to engage and drive. A common application for overrunning clutches is a two-speed drive, where two motors with different output speeds are connected to a single driven shaft through one-way clutches. When the primary motor drives the machine at a low speed, the clutch engages. When the secondary electric motor drives the machine, the clutch overruns, switching from low speed to high speed. When this happens, the primary clutch is overrunning and the secondary clutch is engaged and driving.

Indexing

In an indexing application, reciprocating (or back and forth) motion is transferred into only one-direction of motion. Usually, a crank mechanism applies the reciprocating motion to the clutch. The clutch drives in the forward stroke and overruns (rotates freely) on the return stroke. Indexing clutches are often used for applications involving material feeders, which are commonplace in the mining industry. The clutch makes it possible to drive the feeder forward at a variable speed and to start and stop at set intervals, which is an important part in the mining process.

Clutch solutions from Tsubaki

Tsubaki offers a wide selection of clutches designed to fit a variety of application needs, including internal and external backstops as well as overrunning and indexing clutches.

Innovative designs and features incorporated into Tsubaki’s clutch products assure efficient and dependable operation in the harshest environments. The company’s cams are made with a special alloy steel to provide extended wear, increased fatigue life, and greater torque holding capacity. The races are made of high-quality alloy steel with high surface hardness and core toughness, and are precision ground to provide excellent concentricity and accurate cam rotation.

Tsubaki’s selection of clutch solutions includes:

• BS-F series backstops.
• Backstopping clutches.
• Overrunning and general clutches.
• Indexing clutches.

Each of these products are designed to optimise operations, improve productivity, and maximise profitability. These products can also be customised to meet the specific needs of a mining operation.

For more information about Tsubaki’s clutch product offerings and specifications, or to view the Clutch Catalog, visit ustsubaki.com.

www.ustsubaki.com

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/special-reports/02102023/a-guide-to-backstopping-overrunning-and-indexing-clutches/